Ian's Story

Ian had been admitted to the Defendant hospital for a femoral popliteal bypass graft. Ian required this as a result of blocked arteries. The surgery was performed and appeared to be successful. However, on the evening of the surgery it was documented in Ian’s medical records that his right foot was colder than previously and pale with no palpable pulse.

The following morning there was further concern with regard to the circulation of the right leg and the right foot was then noted to be mottled and colder than the left. He was seen by a vascular surgeon on the morning ward round some 3 hours later who considered that the graft was occluded.

A CT angiogram was undertaken and showed that there was an occlusion of the graft. Ian was to be transferred to the Queen’s Medical Centre by way of an emergency. However, despite this emergency situation he was not transferred until hours later. He was eventually taken to theatre but sadly surgery did not rectify the damage caused to the right foot and underwent amputation of the right leg above the knee.

Expert evidence was obtained which confirmed that Ian should have been treated within 6 hours of the symptoms being noted. Had he been treated sooner he would not have needed amputation of his right leg.

The Defendants admitted liability for the negligent treatment but argued that Ian had limited life expectancy due to other medical conditions.

As a result of the amputation, Ian was unable to mobilise and was restricted to using a wheelchair. His home had to be adapted to allow him to get around the property.

Ian was in retirement and as a result of the negligence his life became significantly restricted and his social life greatly affected. We were able to secure compensation for Ian in the sum of £100,000. The level of compensation was restricted due to the short life expectancy.